This is an Open Letter to all Democrats, No Party Affiliates, Libertarians and Independents who are registered to vote in Sumter County:
I am a lifelong Republican. My ancestors include patriots who fought in the American Revolutionary War. They include individuals involved in the very early founding of the GOP. Lincoln’s first vice president was Hannibal Hamlin – also one of my ancestors.
I am going to do something I have never done before. But before that let me explain that I was brought up to use logic and debate to win over opponents. I spent the last four years talking with Oren Miller, and discussing Republican principles. It is true that he ran as a (D) in the last election. So what! He has become an (R) because he realized that he belonged in our party. I’ve always been taught to respect my opponents. For some reason, our local GOP can’t even respect a convert.
So here we go:
Unless you are currently a registered Republican, you have just been barred from voting for three County Commissioners in August. You have been prevented from voting for the candidate of your choice. You have been blocked from having any say whatsoever about your local representatives. Your vote has been taken away from you. Way to go Sumter County Republican Party!
Approximately 45,000 Sumter County voters are being prevented from exercising their ability to vote in the August primary … 45,000 voters!
The only way anyone other than a Republican can have a choice in this local and vital election is to register or re-register as a Republican.
I am calling on all voters and voter groups in The Villages to encourage members to register as Republicans immediately so they can vote for the only local representation that will appear on the ballot. Voters can change back to their original party, if they so choose, on August 19, 2020. Please share this information with your membership!
This has nothing to do with national politics. This has everything to do with Sumter County politics. You have a choice: continue to allow the county commission to be stacked with those who don’t share our interests, or work within the system to solve the problems in this county. By changing your voter registration you will be able to vote for the candidates of your choosing. By having a fair and representative election, we know that the majority of Sumter County will choose those who speak on our behalf…however that turns out. And why would the Sumter County GOP be opposed to that?
Don’t let your vote be silenced or ignored! Go to Registertovoteflorida.gov and register as a Republican immediately! The ballots are being mailed in three weeks! There’s no time to lose!
And when you get that ballot I urge you to vote for Oren Miller, Gary Search, and Craig Estep!
I’m supporting President Trump for re-election in 2020; but I won’t waste a single vote on any current Sumter County Commissioner.
David Bussone is a resident of the Village of Sanibel.
